Gluten-free spaghetti with unripe plantain, chickpea and maize: Physicochemical, texture and sensory properties

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the physicochemical, textural and sensorial characteristics of gluten-free spaghetti elaborated with unripe plantain, chickpea and maize flours. Luminosity (L∗) of the uncooked gluten-free spaghetti was not significantly different from control sample, but in cooked spaghetti, L∗ value was different. The diameters of raw spaghetti (gluten-free and control) were similar, but lower diameters were determined in cooked gluten-free spaghetti; however, some composites had similar water absorption values. Gluten-free spaghetti had higher hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness than the control but had lower elasticity. The maximum peak viscosity was lower in the gluten-free spaghetti than in the control, and no breakdown viscosity was observed, although high setback viscosity was found. The overall sensorial acceptability was similar in the gluten-free spaghetti among the different formulations, but it was significantly lower than the control. It is possible to prepare gluten-free pasta with textural and overall acceptability.